Work starts on £8.6million school project described as a ‘significant milestone’ in providing more special needs places

A milestone in the provision of special school places was marked yesterday with a sod-cutting ceremony. The event signalled the start of a £8.6m expansion and improvement project for students at The Orchards Nursery, Cherry Tree Primary School and Green Fold Special School in Farnworth.

Green Fold caters for pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). This project is a collaborative effort between Bolton Council, procurement partner Clear Futures and construction contractor Seddon.

Two new extensions will create eight additional classrooms across the upper and lower sites, along with internal remodelling to bring existing spaces up to modern specifications. The improvements will increase the schools’ combined capacity from 140 to 185 pupils, addressing the growing demand for school places in Bolton.

The enhancements also include improved outdoor spaces, a new multi-use games area for year-round access, and upgraded facilities such as hygiene suites to meet specific SEND requirements. Katie Hague, executive head of The Orchards Federation, said: “This is an exciting project which will further enhance our oversubscribed outstanding provision.

“Green Fold continues to be the special school of choice for many families and we are delighted that we will be able to welcome more pupils to flourish with us.

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“The creation of a purpose built early tears extension to house our nursery in the same building as Cherry Tree school and our Green Fold PMLD classes will further enhance our inclusive offer and bring more opportunities for collaboration.

“Local families will be able to benefit.”

The construction, set to complete by April 2026, will be carried out in seven carefully planned phases to ensure minimal disruption to the schools’ daily activities.

Seddon has pledged to achieve £2,250,000 in local supply chain spending throughout the course of the project.